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Apprenticeship Information

Apprenticeships Overview

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job with an accompanying skills development programme which allows the apprentice to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal ‘off-the-job’ training and the opportunity to practise and embed new skills in a real work context. So, not only will you gain valuable experience you will also be learning and studying and earning money at the same time.

Apprenticeships have been designed by employers to meet employers’ needs for a particular sector or job role, and each apprenticeship defines the skills, knowledge, behaviours and formal qualifications that the apprentice needs to acquire in order to become competent in their chosen field, and to be awarded the status of fully qualified apprentice.

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised as a fantastic pathway into the career of your choice and County Training offer apprenticeships in a number of industries.

To find out more you can get in touch with our Apprentice Support Team:

What types of apprenticeship are available?

Apprenticeships are changing. The government has asked employers in each sector to review the content of apprenticeships for their industries and occupations, and these new, revised apprenticeships, are known as Apprenticeship Standards. Over the next few years, these new Standards will be phased in to replace the existing Apprenticeship Frameworks, which have been around for a number of years.

Because of this transition from Frameworks to Standards, County Training offers a mixture of both Apprenticeship Frameworks and Apprenticeship Standards, depending on the sector in question and the availability of new Standards for that sector. We will advise you on whether you will be signed up for an Apprenticeship Framework or an Apprenticeship Standard as part of our interview and selection process.

What levels of apprenticeship are available?

There are three levels of apprenticeships available for those aged 16 and over and living, working or studying in England.

Intermediate Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)Intermediate Apprenticeships involve the development and assessment of skills and knowledge at Level 2 (relevant to the occupational sector or job role), and as defined by the Framework or Standard. Achievement of an Intermediate Apprenticeship may allow progression onto an Advanced Apprenticeship. To start an Intermediate Apprenticeship, the applicant should ideally have 5 GCSEs (grade E/grade 2 or above).

Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A Level passes)Advanced apprenticeships involve the development and assessment of skills and knowledge at Level 3 (relevant to the occupational sector or job role), and as defined by the Framework or Standard. Achievement of an Advanced Apprenticeship may allow progression onto a Higher Apprenticeship. To start an Advanced Apprenticeship, the applicant should ideally have five good GCSEs (grade C/grade 4 or above) or have completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Higher & Degree Apprenticeships Higher & Degree Apprenticeships involve the development and assessment of skills and knowledge at Level 4 or above (relevant to the occupational sector or job role), and as defined by the Framework or Standard. Higher Apprenticeships at Level 4 and 5 can allow progression on to university degrees, and Degree Apprenticeships are also now becoming widely available in most sectors. To start a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship, the applicant should ideally have a relevant Level 3 vocational qualification or three good A Levels or have completed a relevant Level 3 Apprenticeship.

How long is an apprenticeship?

The minimum length of an apprenticeship is 12 months, but some apprenticeships will be designed to last two, three or four years. This will depend on the Framework or Standard being followed, the level of apprenticeship, the specific occupational area/sector and the prior skill levels of the apprentice.

Once you start your apprenticeship you will be taken through an induction programme which will guide you through your training and the contents of your apprenticeship, including the studying of any formal qualifications. It is our aim to help and advise you throughout your apprenticeship. Our team will help to make the process as painless as possible.

What can I do after I complete my apprenticeship?

There are a number of routes that you can take after an apprenticeship. You can use the skills that you have developed to carry on in employment. You can also continue with the apprenticeship scheme to progress to the next level of apprenticeship, such as an Advanced Apprenticeship or a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship.